5 Things to Do Before Moving to Cyprus

Most people who run into problems in the first months of living in Cyprus made the same mistake. They focused on the move itself and left the admin until after they arrived. By then the clock is running, the bank account is not open, and the residency application is not close to ready.

These five things, done before you book the removal truck, change that picture entirely.

The Five Things to Do First

• Choose your residency route. The Pink Slip for financially independent individuals, the Business Facilitation Unit route for company directors, the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, and the fast-track permanent residency via property purchase all have different requirements and timelines. Know which one applies before you arrive.
• Start the bank account process early. Cyprus banks need a local address and extensive documentation. The process takes longer than people expect. Some banks will work with a rental agreement or hotel address signed before arrival. Do not assume you can walk in and open an account on day one.
• Notify HMRC you are leaving. UK nationals should submit a P85 to confirm their departure date. Pension recipients need a no-tax coding notice from HMRC once Cyprus tax residency is established. Without this you may pay tax in two countries at once, which takes months to unwind.
• Get your Cyprus Tax Identification Number early. The TIC is needed to open a bank account, sign a lease, buy property, and file government paperwork. Do this in the first two weeks.
• Arrange private health insurance before your permit is approved. GESY, the Cyprus General Healthcare System, is only available after residency is established. A short-term private policy covers the gap. The residency application also requires proof of health cover.